Save This garlic butter chicken & broccoli has become my weeknight lifesaver when I need a delicious meal on the table fast. The rich garlic butter sauce coats every piece of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that takes minimal effort.
I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious but had zero energy for complicated cooking. My family was so impressed they requested it three times that same week.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces: the uniform size ensures quick and even cooking
- Fresh broccoli florets: provides perfect texture and absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully
- Unsalted butter: forms the luxurious base of the sauce while allowing you to control salt content
- Olive oil: has a higher smoke point than butter alone perfect for searing the chicken
- Minced garlic: fresh is best for the brightest flavor use a garlic press for convenience
- Soy sauce: adds umami depth and saltiness look for low sodium if watching salt intake
- Lemon juice: brightens the entire dish with necessary acidity use fresh for best results
- Red pepper flakes: optional but adds a gentle heat that balances the rich butter
- Sesame seeds and parsley: optional garnishes that add visual appeal and subtle flavor
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper before adding to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 5 6 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece develops a golden brown exterior while remaining juicy inside. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Remove chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- Add 1/4 cup water to the same pan and immediately add broccoli florets. Cover with a lid to create steam and cook for 2 3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes tender crisp. Pour off any excess water that remains in the pan. The broccoli should maintain some firmness as it will cook further in the next steps.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium low to prevent burning the garlic. Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter, so watch carefully during this step.
- Build Flavor:
- Pour in soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce. The soy sauce will deglaze the pan, incorporating all the flavorful bits from cooking the chicken. Let simmer for 30 seconds to allow flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Coat:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1 2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure every piece of chicken is well coated. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly as it cooks with the chicken.
- Incorporate Broccoli:
- Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the chicken and sauce mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed and coated with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 30 60 seconds more to allow the broccoli to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
Save The garlic is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that letting the minced garlic cook in butter for just 30 seconds before adding other ingredients creates the most incredible aromatic base. My daughter who typically picks around vegetables always cleans her plate when I make this dish.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. The broccoli will soften slightly upon reheating but will still maintain good texture. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet rather than microwave to preserve the texture of both chicken and broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is completely satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with several sides. Serve over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a complete low carb meal. For a heartier option, egg noodles or mashed potatoes make excellent companions to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
No fresh broccoli? Frozen broccoli works well just thaw completely and pat dry before adding to avoid excess water. Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a more tender juicy result. Vegetarian option replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Coconut aminos make an excellent soy free alternative to soy sauce. Ghee can substitute for butter for those avoiding dairy. Add vegetables like bell peppers mushrooms or snap peas for variety.
Flavor Variations
Asian Inspired add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce and finish with sliced green onions. Mediterranean Style use oregano and thyme instead of red pepper flakes finish with lemon zest. Creamy Version stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking. Herb Infused add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter while melting.
Save This dish is incredibly satisfying and versatile. The quick cooking time and minimal cleanup make it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Enjoy your delicious homemade garlic butter chicken and broccoli!
Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep the chicken juicy?
Sear chicken over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, then remove before adding broccoli. Return at the end to keep it moist.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, just add frozen broccoli directly to the pan. Steam for 1-2 minutes longer until heated through and slightly tender.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Serve over steamed rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit for a milder flavor profile.
- → Can this meal be prepared in advance?
Prepare chicken and broccoli ahead, store separately, and quickly reheat with sauce just before serving to maintain texture.